The Wildcats picked up four wins in four games played last week. They swept a doubleheader at Ash Fork/Seligman on Tuesday, then cruised past Fort Thomas on Thursday, and won at Superior on Saturday, avenging a loss to the Panthers in their previous meeting.
The first game at Ash Fork lasted just five innings with the Wildcats prevailing 16 to 1. Three first-inning runs followed by seven runs in the third and four more in the fourth put the game out of reach fairly quickly. Joseph City tacked on their final two runs in the fifth. The Spartans scored their lone run in the bottom of the third frame.
Bannon Johnstun went 2 for 3, with three stolen bases. Jareon Miller was 2 for 2, with two doubles. Owen Beatty went 2 for 4. Blake Palmer was 2 for 2, with a double. Brody Penrod went 1 for 1, with a double. Eli James was 1 for 3, with a triple. Kaysen Miller went 1 for 1. Kelton Chairez was 1 for 3. Zane Johnson did his part with two stolen bases.
Damarcus Bufford put in two innings on the hill, giving up just one run with three walks and a strikeout. Penrod pitched two innings, with three walks and two strikeouts.
The second game also lasted just five innings with Joseph City grabbing early control and scoring nine runs in the top of the first inning. They added three in the fourth and two in the fifth. The Spartans scored once in the third and added two in the fourth of the 14-3 final outcome.
Chairez led at the plate going 4 for 4, with two triples. Cort Miller was 2 for 2, with a double. Penrod went 2 for 2, with a double. Bufford went 1 for 2 with a double. Johnstun was 1 for 1, with a double. James was also 1 for 1, with a double. Jareon Miller went 1 for 2. Palmer was 1 for 4.
Beatty, Palmer and Chairez combined to pitch five innings. They allowed three runs on just four hits and collectively walked four and struck out six batters.
Thursday’s home game with Fort Thomas was also out of reach early. Joseph City scored five first-inning runs, then added three in the second, two in the third and three in the fourth to win the game 13-1.
Chairez went 2 for 3, with a double. Johnson was 2 for 2. James, Jareon Miller, Palmer and Penrod each had one hit in the win. Beatty and Palmer both finished with four stolen bases.
Chairez, Kaysen Miller, and Beatty pitched the game. They allowed just one run on five hits with a walk and together they struck out 10 Fort Thomas batters.
Saturday’s road trip to Superior was finally a close game for the Wildcats. They scored in each of the first five innings and gave up three runs to the Panthers in the third. Neither team scored in the final two innings, leaving the Wildcats with a 9-3 win.
Joseph City had just eight hits in the game. Beatty counted for three of those going 3 for 3, with a double. Johnstun went 2 for 2. Johnson was 2 for 4 and Palmer went 2 for 2.
Penrod worked three innings, giving up three hits with three walks. Johnstun pitched 2.2 innings, allowing three runs on six hits, with three walks. Chairez pitched 1.1 innings, giving up just one hit with three walks.
With the four wins the Wildcats moved their season mark to 15-7. They are now 6-6 in regular season games. They were ranked 10th prior to the Superior win. They have just two games this week which will be played at home. On Tuesday they host Lincoln Prep, then on Saturday, they will see neighboring Holbrook. Their final regular season game will be next Tuesday when they travel to Mogollon.
